The Problem with the One-in/One-out System

For the past year or so I have been doing some serious decluttering and trying to curb my shopping habits.  I have listened to a lot of videos on shopping addiction, minimalism, decluttering, etc. and have put a number of recommendations into practice in an attempt to find a combination that works for me.  For a while I was sticking to the One-in/One-out system, but I noticed that it has some problems.

If you're not familiar with the One-in/One-out system it basically means that you have a set number of items and in order to get something new you have to get rid of something existing.  This system may work really well for those who have kicked their shopping addiction but with those still struggling, it really only creates a mental mind game of constantly getting rid of things so you can get more.

It also basically sets a number of things one can own and strict rules like that can create more stress than simply having what you have because it's what you want and need.  It's sort of similar to being on a diet and only having a certain food set.  Not only does it create more stress, it can actually make you obsess over everything forbidden to an extent that you never would if you could eat anything you wanted.  Make sense?  

Well, after playing all those mental mind games for months and months, I decided to press pause on the One-in/One-out system.  It was just stressing me out way too much and I found myself getting rid of things I really didn't want to part with just so I could get something new.  Enough of that.  At least for now.  

Now I take a lot of time to really think about an item before I purchase and if I decide to get it, I can definitely look through my things and see if anything can go, but if not, that's OK too.  There's no magic number of pieces of clothing or number of hangers to fill.  I am just trying to be mindful of how much stuff is in my closet and how much time and money I am spending.  And things are actually going much better.  No pressure.

Sometimes the best way to change is just to relax and do one little thing at a time, forgive yourself for when you slip up, and keep on going. The most lasting changes are the ones we make over time as part of making new good habits.

Outfit Info:  Classic Skirt in Whimsical Garden from Son de Flor, J Crew Top from ThredUp, Beige Flats from Shoe Carnival, Rifle Paper Co. Edition of Pride and Prejudice.